CBSE Class 7–9 Students May Continue Foreign Languages Till Class 10

Students studying in Classes 7, 8, and 9 in CBSE schools may not have to change their foreign language subjects midway, bringing relief to parents and schools concerned over the implementation of the three-language policy.

According to the latest report, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has indicated that students who are already studying two foreign languages under the existing subject combination may be allowed to continue the same arrangement until their Class 10 board examinations.

Relief For Students Already Studying Foreign Languages

The clarification is important because many CBSE schools had earlier raised concerns after communication regarding the implementation of the three-language policy from July. Parents feared that students who had already spent years studying two foreign languages would suddenly be asked to drop one subject and shift to an Indian language.

The minister has now said that students already enrolled in the existing language combination should not be forced to change midway. This means Classes 7, 8, and 9 students may continue their current foreign language choices until Class 10.

CBSE Yet To Issue Official Order

While the statement has eased concerns, CBSE has not yet issued an official amended order on the transition. The board is expected to clarify the implementation process after discussions in its governing council.

Until then, schools and parents will have to wait for the formal notification before making final academic decisions for the affected students.

Who Will The New Rule Apply To?

As per the reported clarification, the new requirement under the National Education Policy 2020 will apply from Class 6 onwards and move forward with each new batch.

This means students entering Class 6 will study three languages, of which two must be Indian languages. However, students who are already in Classes 7, 8, and 9 and have chosen two foreign languages are expected to be given a transition benefit.

Focus On Indian Languages And Skill Education

The education minister also said class-appropriate textbooks in 22 Indian languages would be made available to support the implementation of the language policy.

Along with language learning, vocational education is also expected to get more focus. Students in Classes 6 to 8 may complete skill-based modules every year, while skill subjects are expected to become mandatory in Classes 9 and 10.

Foreign Language Option Still Under Discussion

CBSE officials are also reportedly examining whether a foreign language can be allowed in place of the compulsory vocational subject up to Class 10. However, this proposal is still under discussion and has not been officially confirmed.

For now, the biggest relief is for students already studying two foreign languages, as they may be allowed to continue their current subjects until Class 10 instead of being forced into a sudden change.